Bolt holds on late, wins final race in Diamond League
MONACO — In the last Diamond League race of his glittering career, Usain Bolt held on to win the 100 meters at the Herculis track and field meet Friday.
The eight-time Olympic champion was under pressure from Isiah Young of the United States in the last 30 meters but used his famed finish to win in 9.95 seconds at Stade Louis II in Monaco. Young clocked 9.98, and Akani Simbine of South Africa was third at 10.02.
Bolt is retiring after the world championships in London next month.
Last month, he won at the Golden Spike in Ostrava, Czech Republic, in 10.06 after a slow start. He got away better this time but was made to work hard by Young.
“It’s always good to get a win. My time is going down at the right time,” the Jamaican said, looking ahead to the worlds. “Everything is coming together.”
‘Mixed emotions’
He was given a rousing ovation and expects to sorely miss that close bond with the crowd when his running days are over.
“I’m always here for the fans, and, of course, I will miss the vibe around the track. Mixed emotions always, happy for my career, sad that it is ending,” he said. “I’m planning to chill after London with my family, but I’m not sure what will be my next plan after this season.”
Young was happy enough to have pushed Bolt hard and is confident he can challenge in London, where he will run in the 200.
“I was so close to Bolt at the end of his great career. Couple of days ago, I was told I will run the 200 in London, so this sub 10 is great preparation for that,” he said. “I need to execute well, and then I can attack a medal in that event.”
Setting the pace
Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa won the 400 in 43.73, and countrywoman Caster Semenya pulled clear in the last 50 meters to win the 800 in a world-leading time this year of 1 minute, 55.27 seconds.
“It was a fantastic race, a very fast pace,” Semenya said. “It was one of the hardest races I’ve had.”
She set a personal best. Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi was second, followed by Ajee Wilson of the U.S.
Van Niekerk finished well short of the worldrecord 43.03 he set while winning the Olympics last year. Isaac Makwala was second and Botswana countryman Baboloki Thebe third.